The Daily Show correspondent Al Madrigal guides you through the thicket of tobacco-free smokes

Al Madrigal hasn't smoked in 3 years. But when we needed someone to sample a batch of electronic cigarettes to see which brand was best—or maybe just the least horrible—the comedian was willing to fall halfway off the wagon. Electronic smokes, after all, do contain nicotine. And a 2012 Greek study suggests they're harmful to users' lungs. That said, another 2012 study, also from Greece, found them less toxic than tobacco smokes. As for their effectiveness as a cessation tool, a 2011 Boston University study found that 67 percent of people reduced the number of cigarettes they smoked by going digital. "The distinct and unique advantage of e-cigarettes," the study authors noted, "is that they allow individuals to utilize one device that can simultaneously address nicotine withdrawal, psychological factors, and behavioral cues that serve as barriers to smoking abstinence." Madrigal, for his part, says, "I sort of do get the sensation that I am back smoking again." He also sort of enjoyed the experience.

$30 for the economy starter kit, including one battery, two flavor cartridges, and a USB charger

Flavors include chocolate (which Madrigal likened to swisher sweets) and, um, "president." (Madrigal: " Three packs of the president, please!") And who's the target audience for these exotic flavors? "The distinguished consumer who enjoys purple drank."

SMOKESTIK

$100 for the Hendu Elite starter I kit, including two batteries, three cartridges, and multiple chargers

"It tastes like I ate seafood," Madrigal says after puffing on the high-nicotine cartridge. As for the menthol, "not only does it look like a pen—if you lit up the end of a pen and started smoking an actual pen—that's what this fucking tastes like."

MIAMI CIGS

$30 for the economy introductory kit, including one battery, five cartridges, and a USB charger